AFCON 2025: When Senegal Expect Verdict After CAF Meeting

Senegal remain on edge as they await a decisive ruling from the Confederation of African Football following a high-profile meeting linked to the dramatic AFCON 2025 final. Although the celebrations from the title win have not completely faded, attention has firmly shifted away from the pitch at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to CAF’s decision-making corridors in Cairo.

After appearing before CAF’s disciplinary authorities on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Senegalese Football Federation and the wider football community in the country are now counting down the hours. CAF has confirmed that the matter is under active consideration, with a final decision expected within a forty-eight-hour window. For Senegal, the wait is as tense as the final itself.

AFCON 2025: The Hearing in Rabat

Tuesday’s hearing brought to a close several days of rising friction between Senegal and hosts Morocco. A delegation from the Senegalese Football Federation, led by its Secretary General and backed by renowned lawyer Maître Seydou Diagne, appeared before the CAF Disciplinary Jury to respond to events that overshadowed the closing stages of the tournament’s showpiece match.

Key figures directly involved in the controversy were invited to give their accounts. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, alongside influential players Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, addressed the jury in person. Their testimonies are believed to have centred on the intense emotions that erupted late in the match following a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco and an earlier Senegalese goal that was ruled out.

Those decisions sparked strong reactions, culminating in a prolonged stoppage as Senegalese players temporarily left the field for over ten minutes. The situation escalated further when sections of the crowd attempted to invade the pitch, prompting security intervention and delaying the match’s conclusion.

In an official update, CAF confirmed that the disciplinary panel had concluded its hearings and moved into deliberations. The jury president set a firm deadline, indicating that all parties would be formally notified of the outcome within forty-eight hours.

AFCON Final: Charges and Potential Sanctions

Despite Senegal eventually sealing a one-nil victory after extra time to lift their second AFCON title, CAF’s focus is firmly on the conduct surrounding that triumph. Morocco’s football federation has lodged formal complaints, arguing that the walk-off disrupted the flow of the game and negatively affected their players, particularly in the tense moments before Brahim Díaz failed to convert a crucial penalty.

Speculation has already begun regarding possible punishments. Coach Pape Thiaw could face a suspension if CAF determines he played a leading role in instructing players to leave the pitch. Sarr and Ndiaye may also be sanctioned with fines or short bans should the jury find evidence of misconduct or inappropriate remarks directed at match officials.

Beyond individual penalties, the Senegalese Football Federation itself could be exposed to significant financial fines. There is also the possibility of future home matches being ordered behind closed doors due to supporter behaviour during the final.

To reinforce fairness and transparency, CAF took the unusual step of excusing the President of the Disciplinary Jury, Ousmane Kane, because of his Senegalese nationality. According to the FSF’s official statement, the verdict is expected by Thursday, January 29, 2026, a date that could shape the immediate future of Senegalese football.